For 2011

Happy Sunday, all!

First of all, we'd like to thank everyone for your show of support during our kickoff month! We were overwhelmed by your kindness and willingness to join in the conversations. You showed us that we are where God wants us to be and we look forward to serving you for as long as God sees fit.

We won't normally be posting on Sundays, but I wanted to give you all a peek on what to expect over the next year from us. Starting tomorrow, we'll move to posting six days a week, Mon-Sat (with Sat being recipe day). We'll have lots of fun as we learn, with guest posts, giveaways, and chances for you to voice your opinions.

We've decided our theme for this year is "Fruit of the Spirit". But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Each month we'll expand on a different trait with a goal of encouraging and empowering our new friends to "be the change they want to see in the world". Now, even if you aren't a Christian, we hope that you will still gain a lot of insight from the posts.

So join us this coming month as we expound on the basis of it all--LOVE!

Power to Empower

I love the word EMPOWER. I hear it, speak it, and I can feel my body preparing to stand, to move—it’s action. That’s what empowering is—giving someone the power to move from their present being/circumstance to another (hopefully better).

The dictionary definition of “empower” is to give power or authority to, or to enable/permit. To give power or authority over… To enable or permit… An act of giving to someone else. Like a parent empowering their teenager by handing over those precious car keys. Like a principal empowering a student with the gift of a well-earned diploma. Like a woman empowering another woman with a few words of encouragement and advice.

What do these three things have in common?

They all open up possibilities to the other person. We all know the saying that knowledge is power, but that’s not exactly true—it leaves out the middle man. Knowledge creates possibilities. It’s what you do with those possibilities that’s gateway to power over your own life.

About a year ago, my hubby and I decided to homeschool our kids. Neither of us were homeschooled, and quite honestly we hadn’t really been exposed to it within the circles of our friends. But we made that decision and I took a timid step forward. What next? Where did I go from here? So many choices, so much red tape. Lucky for me, several women had started blogs for homeschooling moms. I merely had to traipse through their archives to find a wealth of knowledge and guidance. These wonderful women helped empower me. They gave me the knowledge to see what our family homeschool could be like—the possibilities. They educated me to make the right choices for our family. I now have confidence in my decisions and look forward to spending time with my children every day.

Kimchi mentioned in her post last Monday that encouragement can reciprocate—by giving encouragement, you encourage yourself whether you mean to or not. The same with empowering. When you give another person the power to rise from their situation, you gain that same sense of confidence. Those homeschooling women had to do their own research in order to learn enough to post about their homeschools, which gave them their own power.

Now, please do not misunderstand me. Power can have such a negative connotation in today’s society. One of our goals is to break the shackles that society has placed on us. Power in our lives simply means that we make our own educated choices based on our own priorities/beliefs because we know who we are.

I know that I am a daughter of the mighty King. I know that Christ died so that I might live apart from this world. I am strong in my faith. I am a military wife, a mother to three, and a friend to all. But even I forget. Even I fall apart. I’m happy one minute, and sad the next. I am sure of myself but then I crumble under the weight of fear. I know I am loved, but sometime I feel so alone. Sometimes I need those extra words of encouragement, sometimes I need someone to remind me that I have the power to rise from my circumstance. Sometimes I don’t have that power because I lack the knowledge, and so am in need of someone to empower me.

It’s so nice that I know I have my husband, family, friends like Kimchi that I can turn to if I am less than I want to be. More importantly, I have a Savior to turn to. I know that I will be okay, no matter what happens.

What are your thoughts on empowering yourself and others?

Up this week, we have two guest posts from some awesome women who are also hosting equally awesome giveaways! Join us!

Eclectic and Passionate Me....( And a GIVEAWAY!!)

  

When I was younger; I was sitting in the living room with my grandfather watching the 1984 Olympic Games on television.  Mary Lou Retton was performing and won the All Around Gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics.  I turned to my grandfather and proudly stated, “I can do that, Grampa!” His response to me was, “I like your style girl, I like your style!”  In other words, I’ve always wanted to do something big one day to impact the world like Mary Lou Retton.  However, I have come far from those naive childhood dreams and learned to simply embrace who God called me to be.  I am not saying that I still don’t have dreams but what I’m saying is that I have found contentment and joy with my purpose in this world.

 If I had to describe myself, I would say, eclectic and passionate might be two words that best convey me.  I don’t have a specific style or way about me and I like having variety; so a little bit of everything works for me. Maybe that is why I can throw down on a buffet like no one’s business! I also tend to be the creative, free spirited type.  Of course, I have those days when my inner control freak emerges; I call it just being a woman. However, I found a perfect cure for that, a dose of chocolate and shopping; it works every time!   I am known to be humorous, serious, zealous and crazy all within moments of one another.  Believe me, there is no cure for this- I’ve tried!

By nature, I am an introvert and it takes everything in me to venture out and meet new people.  I prefer staying alone within the comfort of my home and remain there for weeks with no problem.  I love and live passionately! I am also a 39 year old military wife and an Army Veteran of six years. Yes, I got suckered into being all I could be.  I have four children, whose ages range from three to eighteen years old.  I have two beautiful girls and two fun loving boys.  My children have taught me a lot about love, grace and myself.   They are without a shadow of a doubt my greatest joys and I am and honored to be their mother. My husband, Craig, is a fun- loving, caring Military Officer who flies Black Hawk helicopters for the Army. He truly is my best friend and supporter in life.  Currently, we are stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas until he completes his Masters degree.  From time to time, God will open an opportunity for me to speak in various Christian communities where I enjoy one of my utmost passions, encouraging women in the hope of Jesus Christ and helping them reach their God given potential.  

Aside from my family, I enjoy writing, cooking, photography, reading, watching movies, lots of coffee and chocolate and let’s not forget -shopping! On occasion, I will try something out of my element, like running a half-marathon, going spelunking (cave exploring) or some other crazy goals I can muster up.  Adventure is something I love to seek after!   I only get those whims about once a year and as I get older they are becoming fewer and fewer.  

Some other interesting tidbits about me:

·         I LOVE the movie, The Sound of Music. (I pretend to sing like Julie Andrews..Not!)

·         I once played an extra in a movie called, “A Father’s Homecoming.” (I am still waiting for my Academy Award!)

·         My family is related to Martha Washington.

·          I once met Dennis Rodman in a local restaurant in San Antonio.( He was weird.)

·         I sometimes get suckered into shows like, “Hoarders” or” My Strange Addictions”.

·         I am known for the mysterious holes that appear in my t-shirts.(Don’t ask and I won’t tell)

 At the end of the day, I am just the typical stay-at-home mom who loves her family and enjoys beating her husband at board games (rarely happens).  You can find me most days with a cup of coffee in hand, blogging a way to my heart’s content while wearing some ugly sweats and possibly planning some fun with friends.  I am simple but yet complex and I’ve come to embrace who I am and more so Whose, I am.

What are your dreams? Please share your dreams with us and I will enter you into a book giveaway for Friday.  To double your chances, have a friend join our blog before Friday and credit you as the resource for joining our site.  Then, I will enter your name twice. If you win, both you and your friend will win a free book that I was able to be a contributing author to called, “Life Savors for Women.”

So, that’s a little about me…let me hear those dreams and meet your friends! :)

All About Me (and a GIVEAWAY)

First, let me apologize for not posting on Wednesday like I said I would. One of the things that you should know about me is that I am a military wife. Right now, my family is in transition from Kansas to Hawaii, and we took some time to go visit family. I was supposed to leave today from my parents, but because of a snowstorm, we had to leave a day early--which threw our itenerary into a frenzy. Needless to say, my blog post was one of the things that slipped through the cracks! Ah--life.

So, now you know one important thing about me. The military. I grew up the daughter of a soldier, then just happened to marry into the Army as well. It can be tough and there are lots of downfalls of being a military wife (or daughter), but there are many benefits as well and I would not change my life if given the chance. I meet all sorts of people and get to experience things that others do not--like living in Hawaii instead of just visiting for a week.

In addition to be a military wife, I'm also a mother of three adorable kids. Alana is my more serious, creative four-year-old. Kyra is my spunky three-year-old drama queen. And Connor is our newest addition at seven months old. Yes, the kids are pretty close together (which also has its pros/cons) and my house can be a zoo at times, but they're a blast--which is why I don't mind homeschooling them. The girls are both currently doing fun pre-school activities, but next fall Alana will start kindergarten at home.

My passion aside from God and my family is writing. I'm in the process of finishing up a novel (making two marketable ones) that I hope to find a home for by the end of the year. We'll see how that goes! I also post articles on my own blog, Faith, Hope, and Suspense, as well as Wives of Faith (a website for military wives), and now here.

Other little tidbits about me:

* My favorite color is purple

* I'm just as much a sucker for a good action flick as a sappy chick flick (or even a *gasp* teen drama)

* I have one blue eye and one green eye

* My kids were all born in different states

* I am allergic to beans (yes, all beans)

* I am SO excited to get to know more women through this blog!

Above all of this, though. I am a daughter of God. My passion for faith is very much a part of me and shapes how I live my life and the choices I make.

So, that's a little about me. What about you? Tell us something about you and I'll enter you into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card! Drawing will be next Monday.

Women with a Purpose

The other day, in one of those rare moments of boredom, I was flipping through the TV channels and came across one of those reality shows with a bunch of women in the same house for whatever reason. These shows have never appealed to me, but I paused for a bit. Needless to say, I was a bit appalled. The women used every opportunity to tear each other down, sneak behind each other’s backs, and cause general chaos and dissent within the household.

Of course, this show is for TV and so somewhat embellished. However, I don’t think it’s too far from the truth when it comes to women today. We are constantly being pulled this way and that to keep up with what society thinks we should be—from the bone-thin models in magazines to the stereotypical fast lives of the rich and famous. Throw in the advances in technology, the disintegration of the traditional family, and a general breakdown in relationships/communication, and it’s no wonder women have lost who they are. Their joy. Their hope. Instead, we are in competition with one another to come out on top, to be better than the next.

It’s a sad sight to observe.

But what is one to do about it?

Kimchi and I want to help remind women of who we are and unite us under a common mission in this life. Yes, we are Christians, and this blog is from a Christian worldview, but the blog in its entirety is for all women, regardless of religion or any other walls that society would build between us.

We chose the title Encourage. Empower. Extend. because it encompasses our main goals. We want to ENCOURAGE women in light of everything they face on a daily basis as there is so much that strives to tear us down. We want to EMPOWER women with knowledge and goals that are in line with who they are, not what society wants them to be. And we want to see those same women EXTEND that freedom of encouragement and power to other women, so we can stand as one with full knowledge of who we are.

January is our launch month and what better way to celebrate than with a party! We’re going to have a full month of fun, friends, and fabulous prizes! This week and next, Kimchi and I will be introducing ourselves and our mission, along with hosting a couple of giveaways. The last two weeks, we have invited guests to share their perspectives on women today—and give away a few more prizes!

We enjoy feedback, so don’t hesitate to comment on any of our posts.

Welcome to Encourage. Empower. Extend.